HSBC-Saudia partnership can boost aviation growth: minister

Bangladesh’s aviation sector can accelerate economic growth and strengthen global connectivity through greater collaboration between airlines and financial institutions, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam said on Monday.

She made the remarks at a programme, titled “Powering Global Connectivity”, organised by the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) Bangladesh at a Dhaka hotel, according to a press release.

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The event celebrated Saudia airline’s 46-year journey in Bangladesh and its enduring partnership with HSBC. It has been serving the country for more than four decades, connecting millions of passengers, including pilgrims, expatriate workers, business travellers, and tourists.

Currently, the airline operates 32 weekly flights, supporting the country’s large diaspora in Saudi Arabia through its extensive network.

Speaking at the event, the minister said, “The strong partnership between Saudia and HSBC demonstrates how collaboration between a world-class airline and a leading international bank can support the growth of the aviation sector and create new opportunities for Bangladesh.”

Abdullah Ibn Dhafer Ibn Ubayya, the Saudi ambassador to Bangladesh, and Tanvir Ghani, special assistant to the prime minister on investment and capital market affairs at the Prime Minister’s Office, attended the programme as special guests.

Salman A Alali, country manager for Bangladesh at Saudia, said, “Saudia is extremely grateful for the cooperation and regulatory support extended by the Bangladesh government, as well as the valuable support of the Saudi embassy in achieving this phenomenal growth in Bangladesh.”

“Saudia remains fully committed to the Bangladesh market and is proud of its strong partnership with HSBC,” he said. “Together, we are powering global connectivity, strengthening economic ties, and delivering seamless travel experiences that connect people, businesses, and opportunities worldwide.”

Mohammed Alsilimani, assistant vice-president of treasury and taxation at Saudia, said, “This partnership brings together two organisations with a shared vision of connecting people, businesses, and opportunities.”

“We look forward to supporting the continued growth of Bangladesh’s international aviation sector through this collaboration,” he added.

Md Mahbub ur Rahman, chief executive officer of HSBC Bangladesh, said, “Our long-standing partnership with Saudia across more than 40 countries demonstrates the strength of HSBC’s network in linking key growth corridors, particularly between the Middle East and Asia.”

“As passenger and trade demand rises in Bangladesh, HSBC is leveraging its specialised banking expertise in the airline sector and its deep local market presence to support Saudia’s operational expansion, reinforcing seamless global connectivity for Bangladesh,” he added.

The event also recognised six organisations and stakeholders for their contributions to strengthening air connectivity, facilitating international trade, supporting Hajj and Umrah travel, and enhancing financial collaboration between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia.

The recognised organisations were the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the Foreign Exchange Operation Department of Bangladesh Bank, Padma Oil PLC, United Link Ltd, and First Forwarding Ltd.